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Right whale and calf
A North Atlantic right whale and her calf were spotted off the South Carolina coast on Monday. (Video by North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue via Storyful | Text by FOX 5 NY Staff)
A rare right whale and her calf were spotted off the coast of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Monday, Feb. 10.
The North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue shared a video from an aerial drone that shows the pair slowly swimming near the surface.
The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world's most endangered whale species. Although commercial whaling is no longer a threat, whales face dangers from vessel strikes and fishing gear.
Researchers estimate that about 400 North Atlantic right whales remain, according to NOAA Fisheries. Of those whales, less than a hundred are breeding females.
"In recent years, we've recorded more deaths among adult females than males. There are now more males than females in the population, and that gap is widening," NOAA Fisheries says on its website. "Females, by going through the energetic stress of reproduction, are more susceptible than males to dying from entanglement or ship strike injuries."
North Atlantic right whales can grow to 52 feet and 70 tons. Scientists believe they could live as long as 70 years but don't because of threats. Instead, females live to about 45 and males to about 50.
"This is in large part because of human impacts like entanglements in fishing gear and collisions with vessels," NOAA Fisheries says. "These average lifespans are much lower than the 80-plus years documented in southern right whales, a similar species that occurs in the southern hemisphere."
How can you help the efforts to protect and learn from these beautiful but endangered animals? Here are four ways, adapted from NOAA Fisheries:
- REPORT A WHALE SIGHTING – Virginia to Maine: 866-755-6622; Florida to North Carolina: 877-WHALE-HELP.
- STAY 500 YARDS AWAY – This applies to all aircraft, vessels, surfboards, and kayaks; NOAA Enforcement: 800-853-1964.
- REPORT MARINE LIFE IN DISTRESS – Report a sick, injured, entangled, stranded; or dead animal; never approach or try to save the animal yourself.
- BE INFORMED AND GET INVOLVED – Learn about conservation efforts, participate in public meetings, and volunteer with wildlife groups.
With Storyful